Kathleen Harper

Celebrating the Life of Kathleen "Kathy" Harper March 12, 1949 – May 11, 2026 With heavy hearts, but endless love and gratitude for the beautiful life she lived, we celebrate the life of Kathleen “Kathy” Harper, who passed away peacefully on May 11, 2026, at the age of 77, in the comfort of her home with her loving husband by her side. Kathy and John have been married for 48 beautiful years. Born on March 12, 1949, in Mobile, Alabama, Kathy lived a life filled with laughter, strength, compassion, and unconditional love. To know Kathy was to know warmth, kindness, and unwavering support. She had a gift for making people feel at home, cared for, and truly loved. Kathy’s life was built around family. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, proud sister, cherished Nana and Great Nana, trusted friend, confidant, and hero to so many. Her greatest happiness came from the people she loved, and she spent her life creating memories, traditions, and moments that will continue to live on through her family for generations to come. She shared a beautiful life with her loving husband and best friend, John Harper. Together they built a family filled with love, laughter, and strength. Kathy leaves behind her husband, John Harper; sister, Evelyn Gayhart; her sons, Paul (Julie) Rugenski, Eugene Rugenski, and Johnny Jr. "J.J." (Nicole) Harper; and her daughters, Elizabeth "Lisa" (Shaun) Fogarty, and Wendy (Steve) McKervey. She was an incredibly proud Nana to Nicholas Szymanski, Emily Rugenski, Chase McKervey, P.J. Morang, Jessica Rugenski, Isabel Fogarty, Ethan Harper, Avery Harper, Abigail Fogarty, and Thatcher Harper. Her love also extended to her precious great-grandchildren, Claire Szymanski and Kinna McKervey, who brought her so much joy. Kathy was preceded in death by her loving parents, Bernice and Burnham Gayhart; her beloved granddaughter, Trisha McKervey; and her siblings, Robert "Butch" Patton, Diana Lamb, Linda Vermiglio, Donald "Bubby" Gayhart, Margaret Widick, Geraldine “Gerry” Pascua, Gene Gayhart, and Frank Gayhart. One of Kathy’s happiest places was Caseville during Cheeseburger Weekend — a tradition she absolutely loved. Whether surrounded by family, friends, laughter, music, or simply making memories together, those moments reflected exactly who Kathy was: someone who loved deeply and lived fully. Though our hearts are broken, we celebrate a life beautifully lived and a woman who gave so much of herself to everyone around her. Her love will continue to guide her family, her laughter will echo into treasured memories, and her spirit will remain present in every gathering, every story shared, and every moment of togetherness. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Kathy’s life at: Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons 36900 Schoenherr Rd. Sterling Heights, MI 48312 Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., with Family and Friends remembrance comments beginning at 7:00 p.m. In honoring Kathy, we remember a life filled with love, devotion, laughter, and family — the very things she treasured most.

Kathleen Harper

March 12, 1949 - May 11, 2026